Hoffman's own frame -- 6-foot-5, 250 pounds -- is enough of a
deterrent to opponents bent on taking undo liberties with his new
mates.

“Hockey-wise,” he said, “I feel like I'm a
more mature player. As a fighter, I know my role better.”

Proof that Hoffman received more than book learning in Belfast,
where he became a Giant (literally and figuratively). There, for
once in his career, Hoffman became one of his team's top scorers
(career-high 10 goals) and wasn't one of its leading PIM
gatherers.

“Last year,” he said, “I wanted to prove that
I can actually play some skilled hockey. I got that out of me. Now
I want to come back and live the dream again.”

Regardless of how much longer Hoffman plays, he's already laid
the groundwork for his next career.

Hoffman, who did his undergrad work at UConn, spent last summer
as an intern with the Boston Bruins in their youth hockey
initiative.

“I've seen all sides of hockey,” he said.
“When you've seen both sides of the puck, it's a different
environment. I've benefited from it. It could take me beyond my
playing career.”

Who knows, it could keep bringing him back to Portland.

Around the AHL

One thing that has changed in the years since Hoffman left
Portland is the nature of the enforcer's role. The increased
scrutiny placed on brain injuries, as well as the recent string of
deaths among the game's fighters (Derek Boogaard, Rick
Rypien, Wade Belak, Bob Probert, et al) has caused many to
question the role of fighting. The New York Times' recent extensive
look into Boogaard's life and death has added plenty to the
conversation. For his part, Hoffman said he is aware of the
inherent risks, but feels he knows where the limits are. “I
read every article,” said Hoffman, “because I'm
preparing to do the job that he (Boogaard) did. It's a tough
situation, because there's a need for it in hockey. Ask any skilled
guy, or any European guy, and they'll say fighting is needed in
hockey. The challenge is where to draw the line with regard to
injuries. Guys are getting injured and they're not telling anybody.
It causes things beyond a little headache. … There will be
some rule changes. But it will never be out of the game. There's a
need for it. It's kept a lot of us in business.”